Congressional researchers’ deep dive into marijuana; Austin decrim voting starts; More polls show legalization support
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
In a new 101-page report, the Congressional Research Service deeply analyzes the growing state-federal marijuana policy gap, looking at issues like banking, research barriers, tax revenue, youth use, impaired driving, hemp, international implications and more.
The Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee reported that the state generated more tax revenue to the general fund from legal marijuana sales than from tobacco and alcohol combined last month.
Austin, Texas voters can now begin casting their ballots on a measure to decriminalize marijuana and ban no-knock warrants. In-person early voting runs through May 3 and Election Day is on May 7.
Two new polls of U.S. adults showed broad support for marijuana reform, with 69 percent backing legalization, 92 percent in favor of medical cannabis and 61 percent saying they are more likely to vote for pro-reform politicians. Other questions focused on marijuana banking and military veterans’ access to medical cannabis.
/ FEDERAL
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is accepting public comments on barriers to and solutions for providing data on drug-impaired driving.
A spokesperson for Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) said he supports veterans- and banking-focused marijuana bills and is continuing to “closely evaluate” broader reforms.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) tweeted, “Last week, my team and I stopped by @yambamarket, the first Black-owned recreational cannabis dispensary in Cambridge. Black & brown folks have been devastated by the failed War on Drugs & it’s critical that they reap the financial rewards of our expanding cannabis industry.”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) tweeted, “My #StatesReformAct is gaining momentum across the aisle, and would federally de-schedule marijuana.”
Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) tweeted, “More than 600,000 Americans are still arrested each year on cannabis charges, despite reform laws passed in 47 states. That’s why I voted YES on #WeNeedMORE.I urge the Senate to pass this important legislation soon.”
/ STATES
South Dakota’s agriculture secretary said the CBD oil market has “tanked.”
Kansas Senate Democrats tweeted, “Medical marijuana has faced a rocky road in the #ksleg, and many Senate Republicans have expressed little-to-no interest in helping Kansans legally access proven palliative care.”
A Wisconsin representative who is sponsoring a restrictive medical cannabis bill said he would be willing to consider amendments to allow smoking.
New Jersey’s top marijuana regulator spoke about the launch of legal recreational sales.
Alaska regulators proposed changes to rules on marijuana waste.
Louisiana regulators filed proposed hemp rules.
New York regulators are considering allowing pizzerias and other restaurants to sell cannabis-infused foods.
Montana regulators launched a new system for marijuana cultivation businesses to submit applications to increase their tier.
The Washington State Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force will meet on Tuesday.
California regulators will hold an information session to get feedback on the development of cannabis equity fee waiver and deferral regulations on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
New York City’s mayor tweeted, “The cannabis industry can be a major boon to our economic recovery — creating new jobs, building wealth in historically underserved communities, and increasing state and local tax revenue. That’s why New York City is proactively investing in social equity.”
The Seattle, Washington City Council and mayor sent a letter urging the U.S. Senate to pass marijuana banking legislation.
The Sumrall, Mississippi Board of Aldermen voted to opt out of allowing medical cannabis businesses.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was extradited to the U.S. to face drug trafficking and weapons charges.
The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Board of Police Commissioners met to discuss drug decriminalization.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that cannabis stem ethanol extract “counteracts [lipopolysaccharide]-induced acute inflammation and apoptosis, suggesting pharmaceutical applications for the stem part of C. sativa.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Australian adults found that 55 percent support legalizing marijuana and that 58 percent want to make medical cannabis more accessible and affordable.
The Alabama Democratic Party tweeted, “Harmful cannabis policy has put thousands of non-violent Alabamians in jail– most of them Black and Brown people– and cost the state and municipalities millions of dollars. It’s time AL restored the lives destroyed by centuries of unfair policing and sentencing.”
The Republican State Leadership Committee tweeted, “Unbelievable crime numbers! Robberies are up 72% Grand Larcenies up 110% Assaults up 28% But Democrats spent yesterday tweeting about 4/20 and marijuana. #VoteThemOut”
The Austin American-Statesman editorial board endorsed a local marijuana decriminalization ballot measure.
A representative of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association authored an op-ed expressing concerns about marijuana legalization.
White Coat Waste published a report criticizing government spending on research involving animals and marijuana.
/ BUSINESS
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. is facing a class action lawsuit for allegedly making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose certain information.
High Times is again extending the window for its public offering.
Workers at Cannabist and The Botanist locations in New Jersey voted to organize through the United Food and Commercial Workers union.
/ CULTURE
Retired astronaut Chris Hadfield said it’ll probably be a long time before it is safe enough to consume cannabis in space.
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